How Melbourne is rising from the ashes after Dan Andrews’ controversial reign and brutal Covid lockdowns

Melbourne’s next chapter in the wake of the world’s longest Covid lockdown, overseen by divisive former Premier Daniel Andrews, is taking shape as venues once closed prepare to reopen.

Hospitality operators are returning to Melbourne, according to real estate agents, with property firm Fitzroys recently inking five deals for new locations, highlighted by a new Japanese restaurant at the former site of the hugely popular Izakaya Den eatery which closed in April.

“We saw a period of innovation in the CBD following the 1990s recession and we are currently seeing a similar pattern of new hospitality venues opening and laneways being activated as life in the city center gets back on track,” said commercial letting agent James Lockwood. .

The old location of Izakaya Den, a ‘hospitality icon’ that closed its doors after serving Japanese cuisine for more than 15 years, will be relaunched as a new high-end restaurant and bar under new operators called Miyazaki Gyu.

In addition to the other leases, a new deli concept called Peck’s Road will enter the CBD at a prominent location on Manchester Lane, and legendary Melbourne operator Sutinee Suntivatana – behind Humble Rays, Tori’s, Regale restaurant, Galer bar and Burapa – will open Tori’s Bakery Cafè in a renovated 124 Exhibition Street.

Lockwood said employees returning to the office, the completion of the Metro tunnel and more favorable market conditions were creating a sleepy Melbourne.

“Research and deal-making have increased dramatically in the run-up to Christmas,” says colleague Franklin Gikas.

‘We are seeing a lot of interest in properties with catering infrastructure, which are time and cost effective to restore.’

The restaurant was one of dozens that had to close their doors after just emerging from the lockdown

Melbourne still has a world record 262 days of Covid lockdowns under Mr Andrews, who resigned as premier in September 2023 after a decade.

Premier’s ‘love him or hate him’ brand has already felt the swift rebuke from some locals.

FFormer AFL star Paul Dimattina, who runs popular South Melbourne venue Lamaro’s Hotel, said the former prime minister would certainly not be welcome there as a guest and was “easily the most hated person” in Victoria.

The “trail of destruction” Andrews left behind in the aftermath of his premiership was devastating, Dimattina previously told Daily Mail Australia.

“The trail of destruction Andrews left is still palpable: small businesses closed, endless lockdowns, critical healthcare neglected, children missing school… he helped no one,” he said.

“Business has been decimated, the CBD is a ghost town, once thriving restaurants are boarded up it’s the same on every high street, Chapel St, Lygon St, there are empty businesses everywhere.

‘What Andrews did is he didn’t make running a small business easy…he would be better off if he left the state, I’m sure there are still people who still love him, lefties and all , but he is not welcome anywhere and we’ll all be better off without seeing him here.’

Former Prime Minister Daniel Andrews has taken much of the blame for the city’s malaise felt by locals since Covid.

Melbourne became the epicenter of the world for Covid infection rates and Mr Andrews imposed the longest recorded lockdown on its residents during his time in office

Mr Dimattina became a leading voice opposing Victoria’s Covid response as Mr Andrews imposed the world’s longest periods of lockdown.

Others quickly joined in, including fellow restaurateur Chris Lucas, who revealed that when Mr Andrews’ wife called to book a table at his Windsor eatery Hawker Hall, he told her: ‘Sorry, it’s not available .’

Mr Lucas revealed that Di Stasio, a famous Melbourne restaurant group not part of his hospitality group, also refused Mr Andrews a booking for his birthday around the same period.

The restaurants weren’t the only places where Andrews took the fall following his controversial Covid approach.

Members of Melbourne’s prestigious National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula came together last year to block Andrews’ interest in joining.

And now Jim’s Mowing boss Jim Penman has officially terminated Mr Andrews from his company and said the ex-Victorian Prime Minister will not be allowed to use his services on Friday.

Mr Penman urged “all of Victoria” to blacklist Mr Andrews in the future.

“If I had the tools I wouldn’t work for him, and I would encourage any franchisee or independent contractor to do the same,” Mr Penman told Daily Mail Australia.

Prominent restaurateurs have begun banning Mr Andrews from their locations, including Jim’s mowing boss Jim Penman, who said the former prime minister is no longer a welcome customer

“He put over 100,000 independent contractors out of work for two months without ANY form of health counseling – as has now been proven by our lawsuit.

“I’ll be thrilled to think that he may have to mow his own lawn, clean his own house, and cook his own dinner, but I’m sure there’s someone out there who likes him and will do it for him.”

‘It must be humiliating for him [getting backlisted]. He was all-powerful as he sat on his throne on Spring Street, wagging his fingers and saying who can work and who can’t – but people have the power now.”

Andrews was Premier of Victoria for almost nine years before stepping down at the end of 2023 and taking on a new role at mental health organization Orygen.